(File pix) Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid agrees with the NUTP that the installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras has become necessary for security purposes, particularly at high-risk schools. (pix by YAZIT RAZALI)

PADANG TERAP: The Education Ministry has no objection to the National Union of The Teaching Profession’s (NUTP) suggestion to install security cameras at high-risk schools nationwide, as it would not incur the government any additional cost.

Its minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid agrees with the NUTP that the installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras has become necessary for security purposes, particularly at high-risk schools.

Mahdzir, who is also Padang Terap Member of Parliament, said that the cost to install CCTVs, however, would not be borne by the ministry or even the respective schools.

"The cost will be included in the operating expenditure of the security company which is awarded the contract to provide security services at each school.

"As such, I am suggesting that school administrators make adjustments to their security budgets allocated by the ministry in order to install CCTVs without incurring additional cost to the government," he told reporters after attending a gathering with residents of Kampung Perik, Kuala Nerang here on Friday.

Mahdzir stressed that the CCTVs would only be installed in public areas of respective schools and would not compromise the privacy of teachers and students.

He added that it is up to the Education Department of each state to compile a list of high-risk schools where CCTVs should be installed.

"As for now, this initiative will not involve all schools, since the immediate priority is to improve the security situation at high-risk schools," he added.